Chacom is one of the oldest pipe factories still in operation today, based in Saint-Claude in the French Jura. Strictly speaking, Chacom is only a brand produced by the company Chapuis Comoy.
Chacom Pipes: Tradition from Saint-Claude Since 1825
It all began in 1825 when the Comoy family started producing wooden pipe stems in a village near Saint-Claude. The key founder of the company, Henri Comoy, was born in 1850. During his imprisonment in the Franco-Prussian War of 1870/71, he met his cousins from the Chapuis family, who were also in the pipe business. They decided to join forces. Nine years later, Henri and a handful of employees moved to London to establish England's first briar pipe factory. This led to the creation of the Comoy's brand under the company H. Comoy & Co. Ltd.
After World War I, business flourished, and the British branch no longer depended on additional supplies from France. However, to sustain production in Saint-Claude, they sought new markets, leading to the birth of the Chacom brand. Initially, Chacom was sold only in France, Switzerland, and Belgium. By the 1930s, the factory employed over 450 workers, making it one of the largest pipe factories in the world. After World War II, the brand became a bestseller in France and Belgium, with distribution expanding to Scandinavia, Germany, and the USA.
Moving Into Modern Times
The connection between the parent company in France and Chapuis Comoy in the UK lasted until 1970, when former employee Yves Grenard acquired the factory in Saint-Claude. He further developed the brand, expanding into Japan, China, and Eastern Europe. In the 1990s, the company acquired the trademarks, production techniques, and raw materials of the brands Jeantet, Ropp, Vuilliard, and Jean Lacroix, consolidating them under the distribution company S.A. Cuty-Fort.
The Success Story of the Chacom Brand
Today, the company is run by Yves' son, Antoine Grenard, an engineer with a great talent for graphic design and international experience gained in Ireland. Chacom now employs only 25 workers in production, which is still relatively high compared to other manufacturers.
Over 60,000 pipes still leave the factory each year...
Large Stock of Vintage Pipe Bowls
Antoine has taken on the challenge of significantly modernizing pipe designs and improving quality...
Chacom Pipes: Authentic Quality from the Jura
The Chacom brand offers both classic pipes and unique series...
Visitors to the region are invited to discover the rich history of the pipe industry in the French Jura...
Chacom: A Recommendation for Enthusiasts
We recommend Chacom pipes to those who appreciate modern tradition...
